Traditional Healing Systems In Addressing Psychosocial Problems In Jaffna: A Community-Based Study
Keywords:
Jaffna, psychosocial problems, clients, traditional healing system, relief, traditional healers.Abstract
Introduction Jaffna District mainly comprises of Tamil speaking communities, and the Siddha system of Medicine is closely associated with their tradition and culture. Traditional healer is one of the resources available in the community where psychosocial support is provided within their belief systems, culture, and way of life. Clients referred to in this study are those who seek the help of Traditional healers for their problems. Those fearing social stigma attached to mental health problems and belief in traditional systems, sorcery, demons, and Gods motivate seeking such help. This study reviews, analyses, and describes Traditional Systems in Dealing with Psychosocial Problems in Jaffna.
Methodology The study was done in the Jaffna district situated in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, about 410 km from Colombo, the capital of this Island. It is a pilot study. It includes personal details, information about clients seeking the help of traditional healers for a host of psychosocial problems. It analyses somatic manifestations of psychosocial problems and the degree of relief for the client through traditional healing.
Results According to the report, almost equal numbers of clients were male and female, with the majority (56.7%) being between the ages of 25 and 49. The majority of participants (84.7%) were Hindu and had completed secondary or higher education. Among the most significant psychosocial repercussions were family separation (46%), economic difficulty (50.7%), property loss (88.7%), and displacement (92%). Traditional healers treated typical behavior (aggression, withdrawal, sleep difficulties) and emotional (sadness, worry, terror) problems. 99.3% of clients believed in the efficacy of traditional treatment, and over 90% felt moderate to great alleviation. The majority needed six to ten visits to get better, although 30.7% also looked for other sources of support.
Conclusion Traditional healers offer essential psychological care in Jaffna, augmenting modern mental health services.
